Kentucky Body Armor Program

Photo submitted by the University of Louisville Police Department

What: Kentucky Body Armor Program funds are provided by the sale of police-confiscated firearms to licensed firearm dealers. The program is a collaborative effort among several agencies:

• GOLD, the agency that processes the applications for vests;

• The Kentucky State Police, the agency that catalogs the weapons; and

• The Division of Surplus Equipment, the agency that conducts the auctions.

There is no restriction on the grant amount requested and a local match is not required.  Grant payments are made based on the number of officer vests requested times the current state price contract for body armor, currently $504.00 per vest (effective 08/27/07).  Service animal vests are currently priced at $650.00

Current state law also allows for the purchase of departmental service weapons and ammunition however body armor requests continue to be our first concern. 

Why: Law enforcement agencies need financial support in purchasing body armor for the protection of officers.

Who Can Apply: The Kentucky Body Armor Program is open to sworn peace officers of city, county, charter county and urban-county police departments, public university safety and security departments organized pursuant to KRS 164.950, sheriff’s department and service animals, as defined in KRS 525.010.

Application Process: The application process consists of completing the Project Scope and Budget Form, attaching the current department equipment budget and submitting a resolution.  Applications are accepted year round.  Recommendations for funding are made quarterly as funds are available.

Funding is provided by the auction of confiscated weapons and ammunition. 

For more information contact Wendy Thompson.